Sri Akliyath Siva Temple

Sri Akliyath Siva Temple is a jewel in the crown of Azhikode Village in Kannur District of Kerala State in India. Kannur (also known as Cannanore) is in north Malabar. Azhikode is 8 kilometers north of the Kannur town.

It is a very ancient and rare temple where the presiding deity is Lord Siva in the form of Kiraathamoorthi. It has all the ingredients of a great temple. The east facing temple has a gopuram at the entrance. The outer most four sided wall protecting the temple is an architectural splendour. The majestic flag-pole is what one would see first on entering through the east. Once inside there is a kooththambalam and mini-temples for other deities. Inside the chuttambalam is the Sri koil where the main diety is present. It is estimated that the temple must be at least one thousand year old. However there is no record to prove this claim.

Azhikode was well known for the martial art of Kalarippayat. Nambiars were the masters of these art. Long ago they have their Kalari School (where the students are trained in martial art) established at this place. Two of the then senior Nambiars managing the Kalari were Meppaat Gurukkal and Kenoth Gurukkalachchan.
The historical back ground of these men are that they belong to ankam fighters. 'Ankam' is a process of showing ones superiority and prowess over the other. Whenever there was a conflict of interest the practice prevailed then was to have a predetermined fight between two equal opponents. The fighters were appointed by the conflicting groups.The fight will be at a predetermined place and time. The king , other important dignitaries and people as well would watch the fight. The winning side is considered right. This had in effect reduced the blood shed in a way.

Legend: Once MeppaaT Gurukkal and Kenothth Gurukkalachchan were on their way back home after witnessing the festival at Vayathoor Siva Temple near Vayanad. They noticed a parrot following them.The parrot reached the Kalari School at Azhikode. As a tradition the astrologer was consulted as to why the parrot followed them. It was believed that the main diety if Kiratha moorthy at Vayathoor known as Vayathoorkaaliyaar is in fact reached Azhikode and the divine wish is to be at Azhikode. They fulfilled the wishes by installing an idol of kirathamoorthy and sanctified it by poojas and daily rituals.

The bird parrot is known as Kili in Malayalam. Since a kili has come and reisided inside the kalari the name meaning “that kili inside - aa kili akathth” has become Akliyath - the temple place.

Festivals:
Yearly two festivals are conducted.

Vishu vilakk: April 2nd week
Neyyamrith: This is in October
*These dates may vary according to Vernacular Calendar.